4 convictions announced for murders in Eastern Arkansas

PARAGOULD, Ark. (WMC) - The Arkansas State Prosecuting Office announced four murder convictions Monday stemming from two separate shooting deaths in Mississippi and Crittenden counties.

“These verdicts send a strong message to the citizens of Crittenden and Mississippi counties,” said State Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood. “The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is hard at work to protect innocent victims and put these violent criminals where they belong. I cannot think of another time when four convictions of this magnitude were achieved on the very same day. I am extremely proud of our team and law enforcement partners.”

On Friday, a Crittenden County jury found Jotavion Ross guilty of the Dec. 28, 2022, murder of Samual Johnson, who was shot to death in front of his home in West Memphis, Arkansas.

Ross was sentenced to 41 years in prison.

“The West Memphis Police Department has incredibly dedicated detectives working for the citizens of West Memphis,” said Hagood. “Detective Chad Davis led the investigation with his team and did an excellent job.”

Also Friday, a Mississippi County jury found Joel Williams, Willavontae Westmorland, and Tyree Johnson guilty of murdering Javion Sims in an April 17, 2021, gunfight in Blytheville.

Attorneys presented evidence that all three participated in the gunfight with another group, where more than 75 rounds were fired between two vehicles. One of those bullets struck Sims, who died on the scene.

Williams was sentenced to 40 years in prison while Westmoreland and Johnson both received a sentence of 35 years.

“We want to thank the jury for their time and their service,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gina Nelson. “We hope this verdict sends a strong message that the citizens of Blytheville and Mississippi County will no longer tolerate senseless acts of violence within our county.”

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